The records are not that different – 6-2-1 compared to 7-2 – but this is a different team from the one that played during the first half of the season. Obviously that begins with the quarterbacks. It was Alex Smith that started those first nine games, while Colin Kaepernick has started the past nine. San Francisco outscored its opponents by a 24-14 average in the first nine games, allowing seven or fewer points on defense four times. In the past nine, they scored more (28.5 points) but allowed a lot more, too (22.3), and have only held an opponent to a single score once (nine games ago).

What they like to do on offense

Everything now. Yes, they run the read option, which is tricky for defenses. But it only works because of Kaepernick’s skills. The 49ers have not babied Kaepernick from the start. He throws a football with as much velocity as anyone in the league and has the confidence to use that arm to not only go deep but to thread the smallest of holes. And, of course, he can run. So can Frank Gore, who is averaging 4.8 yards on 44 postseason carries behind a monstrous offensive line.

What they like to do on defense

They generally don’t blitz, doing so less often than all but seven teams. That’s because with Aldon Smith and Justin Smith, they can get to the quarterback without doing so. They have an aggressive secondary that is generally pretty successful in coverage, allowing the third-fewest completions of 20-plus yards, something to keep in mind when facing the strong-armed Joe Flacco.

Three players to watch on offense

Colin Kaepernick, QB: If he can keep up his playoff excellence (496 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one interception, 11.2-yard rushing average, two rushing TDs), the Ravens could be in trouble. Their defense has been revived, but Kaepernick’s ability to run, scramble and pass with precision could give the old guys fits. The postseason hasn’t been too big for him yet. We’ll see about the Ravens and the game with the Roman numerals.

Frank Gore, RB: He resisted the read option for a time, because he’d never run it. He’s embraced the creases it gives him since the postseason has started, gaining 119 and 90 yards on a total of 44 carries in two games. He and Kaepernick work the fake so well, it can be difficult for anyone to follow the ball, and that is especially dangerous with Gore playing energized.

Vernon Davis, TE: The former Pro Bowler was the forgotten man as Kaepernick and wideout Michael Crabtree jelled. In Kaepernick’s first eight games, Davis totaled 13 catches for 188 yards and one touchdown. Davis, who is equally dangerous underneath and downfield and can run after the catch, caught six passes for 105 yards and a TD in the NFC Championship.

Three players to watch on defense

Aldon Smith, DE: His 19.5 sacks were second in the NFL this season, but none came in the final three games of the regular season, and he is sackless in two playoff games as well. It’s only a matter of time. Smith is a big reason why the 49ers allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards and second-fewest points.

Patrick Willis, LB: A Pro Bowler in each of his six seasons, Willis might be heading to Canton after his career, just like the player for the Ravens who wears No. 52 (Ray Lewis). A holdover from the 49ers’ dormant decade, Willis is being rewarded with a Super Bowl appearance and figures to play prominently.

Dashon Goldson, CB: He has started every game since signing as a free agent prior to the 2011 season, and he’s a big part of a secondary that doesn’t allow many big plays and plays more physical than most back ends. Carlos Rogers allowed receptions on 61 percent of the passes his way, but for just more than 10 yards a clip, and he allowed just three touchdown receptions.

The 49ers can win if they …

Stop Ray Rice. Even as well as Joe Flacco is playing, it is about balance for the Ravens, especially against the 49ers. In the five games this season in which an opposing back had 86 yards or more, the 49ers were 1-3-1. The Ravens are averaging 175 yards in their past five games, during which they are 4-1. They averaged 113 yards in their first 14 games, during which they were 9-5.

The 49ers will lose if they …

If Colin Kaepernick is not as good as he’s been in the past two games, they likely do not have a chance. Their defense has five total sacks over the past four games and is allowing an average of 391 yards over the past five games.

About the 49ers, you oughta know …

Their kicker, David Akers, missed 13 field goals this season – more than any kicker in the NFL. That does not include his miss in the NFC Championship which kept the 49ers from tying the game. His 69 percent success rate (29-of-42) was second-worst in the league. Fortunately for San Francisco, it didn’t have many close games. Akers did miss one field goal in a tie against St. Louis and one in a 16-13 loss to the Rams. So if you’re placing a bet on first team to miss a field goal in the Super Bowl …

What they are saying

“I love the matchup, particularly with a pocket quarterback versus a quarterback comfortable in or out of the pocket. I think the big key is how Baltimore's defense -- reborn in these playoffs -- handles both the arm and legs of Colin Kaepernick. I like Baltimore, narrowly.” – Peter King, Sports Illustrated.